The Cask of Amontillado

"The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe is a story inspired by true events that took place on Castle Island, a former military fort near Boston Harbor in the state of Massachusetts. When Poe was stationed there as a young cadet in the army, he discovered a peculiar tomb. After some investigation, he learned about a man who had been walled up alive. Forbidden by his commanding officer to ever repeat the details, Poe took the thread of the story, changed the setting and characters, and wrote this tale.The action takes place in Italy during carnival. The narrator, Montresor, without giving details, explains that he bears a grudge against Fortunato, who has insulted him. Both men are wine connoisseurs, and Montresor lures Fortunato into his catacombs, promising him a bottle of fine Amontillado wine.